Days out in Yorkshire: York Minster

A towering presence on the York skyline, it’s difficult to miss one of the most substantial landmarks in Yorkshire. But rather than seeing it from afar, you should pop inside and see just how breath-taking York Minster really is.

The building is cavernous, and there is no shortage of ornate masonry and beautiful stained glass to inspect. In fact, guided tours around the Minster are free, and come highly recommended.

Your highly knowledgeable guide will tell you all about the Minster’s history, its art and even its music as you are transported through centuries of fascinating York heritage. Plus there’s a hidden treasure or two to learn about!

Also unmissable is York Minster’s newest exhibition, which is set in the Undercroft. Visitors are invited to take a journey through 2000 years of human history and heroism in a series of underground chambers, packed with informative, interactive exhibitions.

The highlight of my visit, however, was a trip up the famous Central Tower. 275 steps and 230 feet of ascent are certainly not for the faint-hearted, but once you reach the very top of the tower, the views are long and panoramic. Easily the best in York, plus the sense of achievement is a real bonus.

Of course, there’s something for the kids too, with Little Explorer Backpacks available to all intrepid adventurers. The backpacks include a torch, binoculars, compass and map, and an I-spy challenge. There are notes for grown-ups too, just in case they feel a bit left out.